Electrical relay.



H. G. WEBSTER.

ELECTRiCAL RELAY.

APPLICATION FILED APR.3, 1914.

Pate nted July 4, 1916.

3 SHEETS-SHEET I.

. WITNESSES I Q L$Mt H. G. WEBSTER.

ELECTRICAL RELAY.

APPLKCATION FILED APR. 3, 1914.

Patented July 4:, 1916.

3 SHEETS.SHEET 2.

Wl'fNESSES I INVENTOR Wm H. G WEBSTER.

ELECTRICAL RELAY.

APPLICATION FILED AFR.3, I914.

1 1 89,89 1 Patented July 4, 1916.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3- WITNESSES INVENTOR UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

HARRY G. wEBs ER, or CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, AssIGNoR, BY ivIEsNE ASSIGNMENTS, To JAMES R. GARFIELD, TRUSTEE, 0F cLEv LAND, OHIO.

ELECTRICAL RELAY.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented July 4, 1916.

Application filed April 3, 1914. Serial No. 829,237.

T 0 all whom it may concern Be it knownthat I, HARRY Gr. WEBSTER, a citizen of the United States, residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Electrical Relays, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to electrical relays, and especially to relays for use in certain types of telephone exchange systems and other systems requiring a multiplicity of contacts to be-made or broken.

It consists in the combinations, construc tions and arrangements herein described and claimed;

One object ofmy invention is to provide an organization for the relay magnet characterized by increased magnetic efliciency,

simplicity and economy of manufacture, with means for accurate and permanent adjustment of its working parts.

A further. object is to provide a relay magnet structure suitable for the satisfactory operation of a considerable number of contact members in an arrangement have in'g'a high degreeiof compactness and Simplicity.

The several features and advantages of my invention 'wjill be more fully understood upon reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings; and the scope of the invention will be particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

My invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 is a top view;an'd F ig.'2 is a side view of one form of relay embodying my improvements. Figs. 3 and4 are top and side views, respectively, and Figs. 5 and 6 a'ie rear and front end views, respectively,

of therelay frame. Fig. 7 is a top View and Fig. 8 is an end view of. the armature.

Fig. 12 is an enlarged-view of the spring F igl 9 and Fig. 10 are top and side views of the armature retaining plate. Fig. 13 is a top View, Fig. l l'is'a'side view, and Fig. 15 is a front view of a second form of relay embodying my improvements. Fig. 11 is an enlarged View of the armature and the method of mounting on the relay frame.

actuating block and the method of attaching it to the armature. Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a third form of relay embodying my' improvements. Fig. 17 1s a bottom view of said relay. Fig. 18 and 19 are a top and rear view, respectively, of the armature. Figs. 20 and 21 are views of the armature retaining plate.

Referring first to the relay of Fig. 2, the relay frame of magnetic material is shown at 1, with its two ends 2 and 3 bent at right angles. The rear end 2 is perforated and tapped at 25 to receive machine screws for securing to a supporting strip. The front end 3 of the frame is perforated and tapped at 24 to receive the threaded nut 5 which, together with lock nut 6 and screw 4, forms an adjustable locking arrangement for retaining the core and winding 11 in place. This arrangement of parts 4, 5 and 6 affords a simple means of adjusting the space between the end of the core 11 and the armature 9. In the top of the frame 1 and near the rear end thereof, I produce two openin l's 7 and 8, the'front edges of which are beveled and constitute a fulcrum for the armature 9. The armature 9 is provided with an extension arm or lever 10 set at a slightly obtuse angle with the short arm so that when the arm 10 lies fiat on the top of e the frame, as shown in Fig. 2, the short arm will be slightlyseparated from the end of the magnet core 11. The armature 9 is assembled on the frame by inverting the armature at right angles to the frame and passing the end 2' through the opening 12 in the armature until the armature reaches the openings 7 and 8, when the armature can be turned at an angle of 90 degrees and dropped into place with the knife edges of 14 enters the opening 12 of armature 9, thus retaining it in its proper place with respect to the knife edges. The edges 16 and 16 of the retaining plate 13 are beveled at such an angle as will permit the armature to move freely at all times on the knife edge bearings without binding: The retaining plate 13 also serves to support the platinum pointed contact springs 17 ,.18 and 19, which are assembled with suitable insulating bushings and separators and held in place by the binder 20. The forward end of the lever 10 has lateral extensions 21 and 21' which are provided with the small 1ugs23,

turned up to clamp and securely hold in place the hard rubber block 22. The hard rubber block 22, formed as is 22 shown in' relay to a supporting strip. There is an' other perforation in this end of the frame through which passes a screw 36 for securing in place the magnet core and winding 37 In the top of the frame 26 and near the bend are perforations through which pass machine screws for securing the spring mounting plate 38 to the frame 26. On the spring mounting plate 38 are mounted the platinum pointed contact springs 96, 97 and 98, assembled by means of suitable insulating bushings and separators and held in place by the binder 39 and screws 40. The forward end of the contact springs 18 are arranged toibe operated by thehard rubber block 22 when the lever 30 is raised. This block is shown in the enlarged views Figs. 11 and 12. The armature 29'is L-shaped, being formed at a slight obtuse angle, with an opening 28 in the lever 30 extending below the angle and through which passes the projecting member of the frame '34. The

armature 29 in fitting over the projecting member 34 allows the knife edges 27 and 27 to fit in the angle or bend of the armature. To retain the armature in place against the knife edges 27 and 27 the rigid retaining plate 32 is used. This retaining plate has two shoulders 41 and 41 which are beveled at such an angle as will allow the armature free movement on the knife edge bearings. The retaining plate 32 is bent as shown to engage the end of projection 34; and is slotted to pass screw 33 in frame 26, which serves to secure plate 32 in place. The lower arm of the armature 29 is perforated and tapped to. receive the screw andvlock nut 31, which is used to adjust the distance between the core 37 and the armature 29 when the armature is attracted by the energized core 37. The lever 30 is provided at its rear end with lugs 23 turned up to clamp and securely hold in place the hard rubber actuating block 22.

Referring to the third form of relay as shown in Figs. 16 and 17, the one piece relay frame of magnetic material is shown at 45. The rear end of the frame 45 has a projection 46, witha turned down portion 95 per forated and tapped to receive machine screws fo; securing the frame to a supporting strip. A portion 47 at the front end of the frame is turned down at right angles to the flat portion of. the frame and is perforated to pass a hexagon headed machine screw 48 for securely holding in place the core and winding 49. 'Another portion 50 of the front end of the frame is turned up at right angles to the flat portion of the frame to form a guard in front of the contact springs 51 and 61. The guard 50 is perforated with two holes 52 and 52', and may be used to support means for positioning the free ends of springs 51, if desired.

The bell crank armature 99 shown in detail in Figs. 18 and 19 is formed of one piece of magnetic material and comprises the short lever 54, the long levers 55 and 55 and the cross piece 57; and has the aperture indicated at 66. The cross piece 57 of the armature has several small lugs 58 turned up to clamp and securely hold in place the hard rubber actuating strip 56. To assemble the armature 99 on the frame 45, the rear end extension 46 is inserted in the aperture 66 until the knife edge bearings 53 and 53 engage the anglesin the armature. The armature is then rotated on the knife edges 53 and 53 until the long arms 55 and 55 lie flat on the frame 45. f The rigid retaining ,plate 64, shown in Figs. 20 and 21, is then adjusted and secured in place on projection 46 by means of screws 69. The projection of plate 64 (see Figs, 20 and 21) enters the opening 66 in armature 99, and with the shoulders 71 and 71, retains the armature in correct position with respect-to the knife edges 53 and 53. The shoulders 71 and 71 are slightly beveled to allow the armature 99. to swing freely on the knife edges.

In the relay of Fig. 16 no platinum points are used, and instead the stationary contacts 51 each consist of a pair of flat springs placed edgewise with respect to the frame and armature and securely held in position by means of the insulating material indicated at 59. Before assembling the pairs of springs 51 in the insulation 59, each spring is given a decided curve which has the effect of making the two springs of a pair lie tight together. The movable. contact springs 61 are cylindrical at their free ends and securely held by the insulation 59 at their fixed ends, and located directly under the stationary contact springs 51. When the armature 99 is attracted by. the energized core and winding 49, the levers 55 and 55 raise the hard rubber actuating strip 56 and the movable contact springs 61 to engage the two flared ends 62 of stationary contact springs 51. Owing to the curve in the springs 51, there will be sufficient pressure at the point of contact between the contact springs 51- and 61 to insure a good electrical connection. At either end of the retaining plate 64 is a rectangular perforation and 7 0. Through these perforations the ends 67 and 67 of the binder 68 are inserted and turned over to clamp. and securely hold, the insulation 59 with the sta- 61 are provided with hooks 60 to constitute terminals for soldering the connecting wires.

It is to be pointed out that in each form of relay here illustrated the armatures are fulcrumed each on two knife edge bearings located at opposite sides of the armature. In each relay the frame is provided with a projection extending between and past the knife edge bearings entering the aperture of theassociated armature when assembled in place. In each relay, this projection therefore serves to provide an improved path for the magnetic lines of force passing through the frame and armature when the magnet is energized. In those relays illustrated in Figs. 2 and 16, this projecting portion of the frame is extended beyond the armature and bent at an angle to provide means for securing the relay to a suitable mounting strip.

In each of the relays here described the apertured armature is held in proper alinement by a rigid retaining plate which enters the aperture of the armature. The retaining plate in each case is provided with beveled shoulders which engage at the outside angle of the armature, holding the armature in position against the knife edges while allowing it to rock freely thereon. If desired, the retaining plate may be made of and armature are each made of a single piece of sheet material punched and formed in the manner indicated, thereby securing the greatest ease and simplicity of manufacture. In each relay the contact springs are actuated by strips of insulating material clamped in place on the end of the armature by means of lugs integral therewith. While I have illustrated the relays of Figs. 1 and 13 as provided each with three sets of contact springs, it will be obvious that this number of sets of springs can be greatly increased by increasing the width of the relay frame and armature; The arrangement of the apertured armature with two knife edges and a rigid retaining plate is one that is particularly adapted for use with a considerable number of springs disposed side by side.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. In a multiple-contact relay, the combination with an actuating electlo-magnet,

of its armature, a plurality of contact integral frame mounting the foregoing members in operative position and forming a magnetic return bar for said ma et; said frame having an integral protectlve guard bent up adjacent to the free ends of the contact springs, substantially as set forth.

2. In a multiple-contact relay, the combination with an actuating electro-magnet, of its armature, a plurality of contact springs controlled by said armature, and an integral frame mounting the foregoing members in operative position and forming a magnetic return bar for said magnet; said frame being cut away beneath the contact springs and having a protective guard positioned adjacent to their free ends, substantially as set forth.

3. A relay structure comprising a magnet core and Winding, an apertured bell crank armature, a return frame having two knife edge hearings on which said armature is ful erumed, a projection of said frame extending through the aperture of said armature fro-n1 between said bearings and bent at an angle to provide mounting means for said frame, and contact members mounted on said projection and actuated by said armature.

4. A relay structure comprising a magnet core and winding, an apertured bell crank armature, a return frame having a knife edge bearing on which said armature is fulcrumed and a projection entering the aperture in said armature, a retaining plate entering said aperture and supported on said projection, and contact members actuated by said armature.

5. A relay structure comprising a magnet core and winding, an apertured bell crank armature, a return frame having a knife edge bearing on which said armature is fulcrumed and a projection entering the aperture in said armature, a retaining plate en tering said aperture and supported on said frame said plate having shoulders to engage said armature at points opposite said bearing, and contact members actuated by said armature.

6. A relay structure comprising a magnet core and winding, an apertured bell crank armature, a return frame having a knife edge bearing on which said armature is fulcrumed, a rigid retaining plate secured to said frame entering the aperture of said armature and provided with shoulders to engage said armature at points opposite said bearing, and contact members actuated by said armature.

7. A relay structure comprising a magnet core and winding, an apertured bell crank armature, a return frame having a knife edge bearing on which said armature is fulcrunied, a rigid plate of magnetic material entering the aperture of said armature and rigidly related to said frame, and Contact members actuated by said armature.

8. A relay structure comprising a magnet core and winding, a return frame providing a knife edge, a bell .crank armature fulcrumed on saidv knife edge having a central portion removed to provide two separate bearing surfaces for engaging said knife edge, an extension of said frame projecting between said bearing surfaces, and contact members mounted on said extension and actuated by said armature.

9. A relay structure comprising a magnet coreand winding, a return frame providing a knife edge bearing, a bell crank armature fulcrumed on said bearing, an actuating member of insulating material clamped to the actuating arm of said armature by up turned lugs integral with said armature, and

contact members engaged by said actuating member.

10. A relay structure comprising a magnet core and winding, a bell crank armature, a bank of contact springs over-lapping said armature, and actuated thereby, and a return frame upon which said armature is fulcrumed said frame being provided with an angularly disposed portion to which said magnet is secured and with an oppositely angularly disposed portion constituting a guard for the free ends of said contact springs.

' 11. A'relay frame formed of a single piece of sheet material having an angularly disposed portion formed from the peripheral material at one edge of said sheet to constitute a guard, an opposite angularly disposed portion formed from the material lying within said peripheral material to constitute a support for the relay magnet, and an angularly disposed portion formed from the material adjacent another edge of said sheet an electro-magnet and its armature mounted I upon said frame, an insulating mounting,

and a plurality of contact springs secured to said frame by the insulating mounting with their free ends'protectively positioned adjacent to said guard, substantially as set forth. 14. In a multiple-contact relay, the combination of an electromagnet, a pole piece for said magnet comprising a sheet-metal frame angularly bent to form a forwardly positioned guard, of an armature mounted for actuation upon said frame; the said frame and armature being centrally cut away to afford skeleton parts permitting ready access and inspection of the relay, and a plurality of contact springs insulatingly mounted upon the frame with their free ends protectively positioned' adjacent to -the guard, substantially as set forth.

HARRY G. VEBSTER. Witnesses:

J. D. BONNAR, A. C. STUART. 

